Straight-A Strategy

Create winning strategies with confidence

Looking for a practical guide to strategy development, a concise and accessible strategy textbook, or fresh inspiration for your next strategy workshop? Straight-A Strategy combines proven and new frameworks with step-by-step tools and real-world cases—everything you need to build winning strategies and put them into action.

With this book, you’ll discover how to:

• Master the “5As” of strategy—the essential choices behind every breakthrough strategy.
• Build your competitive edge—identify, strengthen, and sustain what sets you apart.
• Turn plans into action—align your team and organization to move from vision to results.
• Learn from real-world examples—case studies from leading companies that stayed ahead by redefining their strategies.
• Apply it immediately—run your own strategy workshops and craft strategies step by step with ready-to-use exercises.

Packed with practical tools, clear explanations, and real-world applications, Straight-A Strategy is your essential resource for thinking and acting strategically—so you can lead with confidence, create real impact, and achieve lasting “Straight-A” results.


About the author:

Dr. Dietmar Sternad is an award-winning management professor and bestselling author with more than 25 years of leadership and strategy experience. He has held strategic leadership positions, including as managing director of media companies, and has worked as a strategy consultant and coach, guiding CEOs and executive teams on their strategy journey. Professor Sternad has published numerous research articles, case studies, and books, including the international bestsellers Develop Your Leadership Superpowers: 50 Key Skills You Need to Succeed as a Leader and Solve It! The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers.


What strategy experts say about Straight-A Strategy:

“Strategy is often dressed up in fancy phrases and grand proclamations. If you prefer clear, easy to understand, and well-articulated advice, Sternad’s book is for you.”
—Christian Stadler · Professor of Strategic Management at Warwick Business School, co-author of Open Strategy: Mastering Disruption from Outside the C-Suite

“With a straightforward and easily digestible approach, this book provides leaders with the strategic tools necessary to make the decisions that will position their organization for growth and advantage.”
—John Hillen · Former US Assistant Secretary of State, accomplished CEO and board chairman, award-winning professor, and author of the international bestseller The Strategy Dialogues: A Primer on Business Strategy and Strategic Management

“‘Straight-A Strategy’ doesn’t just explain strategy—it helps you do strategy. A refreshingly practical guide to strategy development and implementation!”
—Martin Gruber · Vice President Corporate Strategy at NXP Semiconductors

“This book serves as both an excellent learning resource and a practical toolkit for anyone serious about strategic excellence.”
—Vassiliki (Vicky) Bamiatzi · Professor of Strategy and International Business and Head of Strategy and Marketing Department at University of Sussex Business School

“If you read only one book on the practice of strategy in this year, make it this one—it’s the one that makes it all click!”
—Krzysztof Obłój · Chair of the strategy department at Kozminski University, author of The Passion and Discipline of Strategy